Dr. Abiy’s meetings with Diaspora communities, what to expect?

Dr. Abiy’s meetings with Diaspora communities, what to expect?

By: W. Yilma July,27, 2018

I have reasons to write this short commentary intime of Dr. Abiy’s visits to the United States of America. I assume the main objective of his visit is to meet with Diaspora Ethiopians, and to discuss various issues regarding the current situation of Ethiopian politics, in particular to inculcate his new slogan “addition” or “medemer”.I congratulated Dr. Abiy for his courageous actions he has taken so far to bring peace, but with many challenges ahead. I am not sure how many of us understood the meaning of “medemer” and trying our best to implement it correctly without misusing it to attack or humiliate others. My intention here is not to interpret the word “medemer” or to comment on Dr. Abiy’s visit here in United States of America (USA) but to discharge my responsibility by speaking out my feeling about what it looks like Diaspora politics here in the USA, and how some groups are trying to exploit hisvisit to their own political gains.I am sure Dr. Abiy knows how difficult it is to conduct civilized dialog in general with Ethiopians and in particular with Diaspora Ethiopians. Here in the US Diaspora communities are badly divided not only in line of political opinions, but also in line of their ethnicity.As Abraham Lincoln said “A house divided against itself cannot stand”.Therefore, Dr. Abiy’s main role should be to build bridges between these groups, so that they both can contribute their share to the well-beings of our people.

As we all knowswith regards to political activities, the majority of Diaspora Ethiopians categorized as a “silent majority”. This group either advocatescivilized and constructive politics or they follow laissez- faire political approaches. What is common between the two is both think positively to the wellbeing of their country even though they may or may not have agreements with the government in power. Contrary to this there are two vocal groups who are dominating the platform of Diaspora politics. one is isolationist and the second is exclusionist. Although these groups claim that they have differences, both follows hard line politics of the 60’s and 70’s and directly or indirectly their main ingredients are ethnic politics.

The true picture of Ethiopians, who they are, their common character and behavior become to surface when they start living in foreign country. In general, it is very difficult to agree or disagree in peaceful manner with some Ethiopians in any issues. Here in the USA since the visit of Dr. Abiy’s, announced in every cities those groups who are advocating divisions with their extremist ideas are dominating the political stages. In some case it become difficult to know who is responsible to organize public meetings to express their support to Dr. Abiy’s and his party’s reforms. To me it is okay and should be encouraged their active participation if it is from good will by accepting of our new prime minister’s call for forgiveness, and reconciliation, and work together as a citizen of one country for common purposes even though we have different political views or ethnic backgrounds. I believe if there is a willingness, human attitudes and behavior can be changed to a positive way. Hence, if those Diaspora extremist groups changed their previous behavior and restrain from advancing political hooliganism, and understand what it means political compromise, consensus, reconciliation and forgiveness this article should be considered as outdated and irrelevant. But from my past experience living abroad for the last 17 years, I still believe that Diaspora politics has been the most dangerous to the unity of Ethiopia.However, I am optimistic that Dr. Abiyvisit may bring some positive changes to Diaspora traditional politics. I look forward his meetings outcomes.

It should be clear here that Diaspora politics is not radiatedfrom conscious but from emotions, hate and anger. This is what worries me as a citizen of that country, in particular when I witnessing repeatedly targeting one specific group in which I do not want to mention here due to its sensitivity. The intention of some Diaspora extremist is to cause more friction and divisions within EPRDF. Because creating divisions within the ruling party could weaken Ethiopia and helps some groups to impose their ill-fated agendas. These groups don’t care the consequences of their actions. There are many actors, including foreign actors who are behind them, and their aim is not only to dismantle EPRDF but also to weaken Ethiopia to the point where foreign power could play their role to decide the fate of our country. If we truly believe that we all are Ethiopians and have equal right and responsibilities, it is time to think critically how as a civilized and diverse societies can live in peace by solving our internal problems.

Videos From Around The World

At one occasion Dr. Abiy has said “All Diaspora Ethiopians loves their country”. I am not disagreedtotally what he said, but I respectfully have reservation how some Diaspora Ethiopians understood this word. Is love of a country expressed by wearing of the flag alone? Love only the lands territory of the country in question? Or love and respect all citizens belongs to that country? To me the latter expression make sense. In Ethiopian one of the main cause of conflict is there are groups who think Ethiopia belong to them and others should ask their approval either to be considered or to be an Ethiopian. This wrong preconceived notion is now spreading like a contagious disease within the public as well as within the politicians at higher level. This is very dangerous concept which potentially could tearing apart our country if we as collective forcestake measures to correct it with no delay! What should be clear here is that no matter what differences we have, Ethiopia belong equally to all of us. No one has the right to question and no one have an obligation to seek the approval of others to be an Ethiopian.

The other important issue which need to be raised here is that, at this time when our country is going through tangible political changes, some of those who are captive of foreign countries are embolden to insult those who have different ideas or opinion about the current issues. If we are labeling those who have different opinions how could we talk about democracy? Some opportunist groups who promotesextremist ideology are now using “medemer” as a weapon to isolate others. To me people can support Dr. Abiy, but it doesn’t mean that they agreed with all of his policies. For example, I totally supportedhis policy with regard to Eritrea to settle the “border” issue. But instead of focusing on Dr Abiy and Isayascozy relationship I give more priority to people to people relationships, in particular with Afar and Tigray regional states inhabitants. Beside this I want to make sure that the intention of solving the “border” conflict with Eritrea is free from any political mischiefs.I know how destructive elite’s politics is in our country. The ordinary poor peoplesare the one who are sufferingwhen elites of different interested groupsget in to conflict but never benefited when they are in cozy friendship between themselves. We have to learn from the past history. We know the unnecessary sacrifice the peoples of both countries have paid as a result of out of line friendship between late prime minster Meles and Isayas. The high-speed cozy relationship we are seeing now should be slow-down and should be handled very carefully with understanding of our past and present common historieswith the aim to bring sustainable peace for both peoples.

My advice to the prime minister is the following. Peace in Ethiopia have a chance to come through religious preaching in Church and Mosque or through government democratization process. The difference between the two is democratization process implemented by the government needs string attached which means firm and unequivocal implementation of the rules of law for those who stand against it. Dr. Abiy should choose the latter. Because there are signs in some part of the country with sponsorship of opposition groups from outside and members of the coalition party, EPRDF preaching derogatory speeches to cause conflicts between different ethnic groups. If things are continuing to overlooks they could reach to the point where no one could stop once the conflicts are erupted. Forgiveness, and reconciliation is hard to swallow for those who are captive of hate. Although the government granted clemency for many political organizations and news media outlets some of them are still continues with their past hideous mission to cause harm against those who considered as their enemy.

The other issue which need to be raised here is that when you meet with Diaspora Ethiopians you should be frank and clear to tell them that hate politics does not have a place in your government, and you should openly condemn those who are promoting it. If you missed this opportunity or show a slight hint that you overlooked the Diaspora politics you will divide Ethiopia to the point where you or your organization could not be in a position to reverse the damage. What I said many times in the past and I will say again now is that If the Ethiopian people at home are badly divided the same way as Diaspora Ethiopians, the country we called Ethiopia would have not been exits today! In general Diaspora Ethiopians politics dominated by extremist groups are the most deceived, impolite, politically immature, behaviorally ignorant, and above all narrow minded nationalist. In many places where Diaspora Ethiopians are living, it is extremely hard to organize viable Ethiopian communities. In Worship places there is no peace, and many worship places are badly divided either in line of politics or ethnicity (religious places may get peace after yesterday’s unification). Therefore, the prime minister will face many challenges and may understand himself the suffering of many Ethiopian as a result of badly divided Diaspora communities. What is the most tormenting experience for many youths is that the first, and second generation of Ethiopians who born in foreign countries have bad impressions about their country of origins. This is because of the failure of Diaspora Ethiopians, unable to see the big picture out of their narrow-minded mentality. To me it is a crime! Can the prime minster Abiy break this tradition and bring forgiveness, reconciliations and harmony for the badly divided and broken Diaspora communities? I wish him success!

Last, but not leastit is unfaithful to finish my article without expressing my deepest condolenceto the families of engineer Semenge Bekele. I was deeply saddened when I heard his unexpected death from ETV. Ethiopia lost one of her dearest Son who dedicated tremendous efforts to finish the construction of GERD. May God rest his soul in peace!

Finally, I congratulated all Ethiopians Orthodox Churches follower for the yesterday reunification of the past torn two churches. Many attempts were made in the past by different people to make this happened. But I gave great credit to Dr. Abiy,s for his courageous efforts to bring this unification in reality.